Introducing a new dog

· First meeting on neutral territory, both leashed, parallel-walking before face-to-face
· Keep leashes loose - tension telegraphs tension
· Home introduction: resident dog enters LAST, after newcomer explores
· Separate feeding stations and remove prized toys/chews for the first weeks
· Crate-and-rotate if unsure; supervise all interactions for 2-4 weeks
· Watch body language: stiffness, hard stares, and freezing come BEFORE growls
· Give the resident dog extra one-on-one time - jealousy is real

Note: Introductions are about space and equipment that prevents a mistake.

Name: Two 6 ft leashes

Why: Neutral ground, loose leads, one person per dog.

Name: Freestanding gate

Why: Separation without confinement, for the first weeks.

Name: Extra bowls and beds

Why: One more of everything than you have dogs.

Name: Microchip feeder

Why: The real answer to food guarding and to different diets in one house.

Free first: Neutral ground and a parallel walk costs nothing and prevents most of what goes wrong.

· American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (avsab.org) — position statements
· International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (iaabc.org)
· ASPCA (aspca.org)